Breville Barista Pro vs Express

As a coffee enthusiast, I've had the pleasure of using both the Breville Barista Pro and the Barista Express. I must admit, when I first started looking into these machines, I found myself intrigued by both of them. They both promised the ability to craft professional-level espresso drinks at home, but after putting each machine to the test over time, it became clear to me that the Breville Barista Pro is the better option overall. This conclusion isn't based on just one or two standout features, but rather a combination of performance, ease of use, and efficiency. Below, I'll share my personal experiences and explain why I believe the Barista Pro is the superior choice.

Design and Build Quality

When I first unpacked the Breville Barista Pro, I was immediately struck by its modern design. The machine has a sleek, polished finish that fits seamlessly into any kitchen setting. The clean lines, rounded edges, and stylish controls make it visually appealing without being too flashy. I found this to be a step up from the Barista Express, which, while functional, carries a more utilitarian look. Both machines are solidly built, but the Pro just feels like a more contemporary, premium product.

One aspect I appreciated on the Barista Pro was the upgraded grind size knob. On the Barista Express, the knob feels a bit old-fashioned, and adjusting the grind size isn’t always as intuitive. The Pro’s grinder dial offers 30 settings, allowing for finer and more accurate control over the consistency of the grind. This is especially important for dialing in the perfect espresso shot, and I quickly saw how the added precision of the Pro helped enhance the quality of my coffee.

Heating Time and Temperature Control

One of the most noticeable differences between the Barista Pro and the Barista Express is the heating time. The Barista Pro comes equipped with a ThermoJet heating system, which heats up in just 3 seconds. This is a game-changer when you’re in a rush and don’t want to wait around for the machine to reach the right temperature. In comparison, the Barista Express uses a thermocoil system, which takes about 30 seconds to heat up, and although it works well, it doesn’t match the speed of the Pro.

What I’ve found is that the quick heat-up time on the Pro not only saves time but also contributes to more consistent temperature control. This is crucial when it comes to espresso extraction because the temperature of the water can significantly impact the flavor. The Barista Pro maintains a stable temperature throughout the extraction process, ensuring that each shot is balanced and flavorful. On the other hand, the temperature fluctuations on the Barista Express weren’t as consistent, which sometimes led to less optimal extractions.

The Grinder: More Precision, Better Control

As someone who values the quality of the grind, I can’t stress enough how much of a difference the grinder on the Barista Pro makes. While both machines are equipped with conical burr grinders, the Barista Pro gives you much more control. It has 30 grind size settings, which is twice the number of settings on the Barista Express. For anyone who is serious about getting the right grind for espresso, having these extra options can make all the difference.

During my time using the Barista Pro, I found that being able to fine-tune the grind size with such precision helped me improve my espresso shots. I was able to make adjustments more easily based on the beans I was using and even the environmental factors like humidity that can affect grind consistency. The Barista Express, while still a good machine, doesn’t offer the same level of flexibility, making it harder to get the perfect grind for each batch of coffee.

Milk Frothing: Creating Professional-Quality Lattes

If you enjoy lattes, cappuccinos, or flat whites, the steam wand is another area where the Barista Pro really shines. I’ve spent a lot of time perfecting my milk frothing skills, and the four-hole steam wand on the Barista Pro makes a noticeable difference. It provides a more consistent steam pressure and is better equipped to create the microfoam needed for high-quality lattes. The Pro’s steam wand also works faster, allowing you to froth milk more efficiently and with better control.

In contrast, the Barista Express’s steam wand uses a single hole, which can sometimes lead to less fine microfoam and slower steaming. While it’s definitely functional and will get the job done, I found the Pro’s steam wand more enjoyable to use and more suited for crafting high-quality, café-style drinks.

Ease of Use: User-Friendly Features

One of the things I’ve really appreciated about the Barista Pro is how easy it is to navigate the machine’s settings. The Pro comes with a digital LCD screen that allows you to easily adjust the grind size, shot volume, and temperature. It’s intuitive, and even as a beginner, I quickly felt comfortable experimenting with different settings.

On the other hand, the Barista Express has more manual controls, with an analog pressure gauge and fewer preset options. While it’s certainly not difficult to use, the lack of digital displays and adjustments makes it less user-friendly in comparison. I found myself spending more time trying to figure out the right settings on the Barista Express, whereas the Pro made the process quicker and more efficient.

Cleaning and Maintenance

Keeping an espresso machine clean is a non-negotiable task, and thankfully, both machines come with helpful features to make maintenance easier. However, I found that the Barista Pro’s automatic cleaning cycle and built-in water filter system made the whole process a bit more straightforward. After each shot, it automatically prompts you to clean the portafilter, ensuring that the machine stays in good condition with minimal effort on my part.

The Barista Express, while still easy to clean, doesn’t have the same level of automation in this area. I had to be more hands-on with the maintenance, which is a small inconvenience, but it didn’t detract from the machine’s overall performance.

Value for Money

The price difference between the Barista Pro and the Barista Express is something that I’ve considered carefully. The Barista Pro is generally priced higher, but after using both machines, I can confidently say that the extra investment is worth it. The enhanced features, including faster heat-up time, more precise grind control, and better milk frothing capabilities, make the Pro feel like a more advanced and well-rounded machine.

That said, the Barista Express is still a great choice for anyone who’s just getting into espresso making or doesn’t need all the advanced features of the Pro. It’s a reliable, well-built machine that will produce great coffee, but if you’re someone who wants the best in terms of consistency, speed, and ease of use, the Barista Pro is the better option.

Conclusion

In my experience, the Breville Barista Pro has proven to be the better machine compared to the Barista Express. From the modern design to the superior heating system and the more precise grinder, it offers everything I need to create high-quality espresso drinks with ease. While the Barista Express is still a great machine, especially for beginners, the Barista Pro’s advanced features make it a standout in the world of home espresso machines. If you’re looking to step up your coffee game, the Barista Pro is a solid investment that will provide years of enjoyment and excellent coffee.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What’s the main difference between the Breville Barista Pro and Barista Express?
A: The main difference lies in the Barista Pro's advanced ThermoJet heating system, which heats up in 3 seconds, compared to the Barista Express's thermocoil system, which takes about 30 seconds. Additionally, the Barista Pro offers 30 grind settings versus the 16 available on the Barista Express, allowing for more precise control over the grind size.

Q: Is the Breville Barista Pro suitable for beginners?
A: Yes, the Barista Pro is designed with beginners in mind. Its intuitive digital display and simple controls make it easy to use, even for those new to espresso-making. The machine’s automatic cleaning cycle also helps maintain the machine with minimal effort.

Q: How does the milk frothing compare between the Barista Pro and Barista Express?
A: The Barista Pro has a four-hole steam wand, which provides more consistent steam pressure and allows for better microfoam creation. The Barista Express has a single-hole steam wand, which can take longer to produce the desired texture for drinks like lattes and cappuccinos.

Q: Is the Breville Barista Pro worth the extra cost?
A: If you're looking for faster heat-up times, more precise grind control, and overall more user-friendly features, the Barista Pro is definitely worth the extra investment. While the Barista Express is still a great machine, the Pro offers more advanced features that will improve the espresso-making experience.

Q: Can the Barista Pro make good espresso shots?
A: Yes, the Barista Pro is designed to make excellent espresso. With its precise temperature control, quality grinder, and consistent extraction process, it ensures that each shot is well-balanced and flavorful.